Patriots' offensive line is turning a strong start into a major problem

"A major contribution to the two losses has been the play of the offensive line. After two games, things were looking up as their pass-blocking grades were solid. That nice stat belied one point that was again hammered home against the Steelers: they're giving up way too many sacks, and sacks are game-changing plays. In three games, the Patriots have given up 12 sacks, averaging four per game."

"It's now back to the drawing board for Mike Vrabel and the offensive coaches to try to devise a scheme to get them out of this mess. They persist, however, in not tailoring their offense to the movement skills of quarterback Drake Maye. When Maye is on the move, good things happen. Most observers can readily see that, but evidently, the Patriots' brain trust can't. It's costing them games."

The New England Patriots lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers 21-14, marking another one-score defeat that underscores late-season difference-makers. The offensive line has been a major issue, surrendering 12 sacks across three games, averaging four per game, and reversing earlier pass-blocking progress. Five sacks in Week 3 compounded five turnovers and contributed directly to the loss. Coaching must revisit line schemes and offensive design, as the current approach fails to leverage quarterback Drake Maye's mobility. The disparity with elite teams like the Buffalo Bills remains large, and persistent sack and turnover problems make sustained improvement unlikely without structural adjustments.

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